Disporopsis pernyi

Disporopsis Ruscaceae

A woodland perennial with the architectural good sense to make an evergreen groundcover without becoming a thug. Native to southern China and northern Vietnam, it forms slowly expanding clumps of elegant, arching stems clothed in broad, glossy green leaves. In spring, small, pendent, creamy-white bells appear beneath the foliage, followed by dark berries as the season progresses.

A particularly useful plant for shade, D. pernyi is evergreen or semi-evergreen in mild climates and provides excellent year-round structure beneath trees and shrubs. Grow in fertile, humus-rich soil with good moisture retention, preferably in partial or full shade. It will tolerate dryish conditions once established, particularly where the soil is deep and shaded, but performs best with reliable moisture during the growing season. Good drainage is important, especially in winter.

Unlike many woodlanders that require years of diplomatic negotiations before they settle in, D. pernyi is pleasantly dependable and gradually forms substantial colonies without becoming aggressively invasive. An excellent choice for naturalistic planting, woodland edges and the more difficult shaded parts of the garden.

Flowering: April–May
Hardiness: H5, approximately –15 to –10°C
Height: 40–60cm
Spread: 50–80cm, eventually wider
Distribution: Southern China and northern Vietnam
Growing conditions: Partial to full shade; fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil; shelter from drying winds